Are your systems compliant?

After a recent review conducted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) of the 400 MHz band, all government agencies will be required to harmonise with the newly allocated government band. This is intended to enable better communication efficiencies by creating interoperable government radio communications between departments.

The upcoming deadlines published by the ACMA:

The ACMA intends to have new arrangements in the 400 MHz band in place by 31 December 2015 in high and medium density areas. To facilitate transition to new arrangements in this part of the 400 MHz band, embargoes have been placed Australia wide on all new assignments in 452.5–457.5 MHz and 462–467.5 MHz other than existing users transitioning from 403–420 MHz, and on new assignments in 457.5–459.9875 MHz and 467.5–469.9875 MHz not authorised by the relevant state or territory government NCCGR representative as part of the implementation of harmonised government spectrum. It is the ACMA’s intention to maintain the embargo in 452.5–457.5 MHz and 462–467.5 MHz until the end of the transition period to ensure users in 403–420 MHz are given an opportunity to transition within their equipment tuning range. However, the availability of channels in this band will be monitored throughout transition, and the embargo lifted on all or part of this spectrum earlier if possible.

The implementation of the harmonised government band will require:

the relocation of non-government users currently in segments identified for harmonised government use to elsewhere in the band

the relocation of government users into the segments identified for harmonised government use. Government users currently operating above 470 MHz will require spectrum in 450–470 MHz to enable transition within the tuning range of existing equipment.

To provide time between the finalisation of arrangements supporting a 10 MHz duplex frequency split in 450–470 MHz and the implementation of the harmonised government band, users will be allowed until 31 December 2015 to implement the harmonised government band in high and medium density areas. In other words, non-government users will be required to relocate out of harmonised government segments by 31 December 2015 in high and medium density areas, and government users will be required to move into the harmonised government segments by 31 December 2015 in high and medium density areas.

The harmonisation deadline is fast approaching, for more information about government frequency harmonisation, contact BTW today. Our specialist team can provide all relevant information and help you manage your migration to the government frequencies.